X2 what Crappiekiller recommended. Always get a straight shaft.

I have an E GO two string battery operated straight shaft weed eater. This will be my 3rd year of using it. Very powerful. Back then I paid $249 for the machine, battery and charger. I had two other gas operated ones and for my uses this works very well. My son and I own a bigger machine that we push for heavier weeds and smaller brush. We use that to keep the half mile or so of electric fence cleaned up.

Bryce

This

Yes always get a strait shaft. I also found out check th cc and horse power of what you're used to using and don't get something when they say the comercial guys use this. You won't be happy with it if it is 1 /3 cc smaller than your used to. Going to be taking a loss on that oversight.

I have an Echo SRM260 that i have been very pleased with. Starts easy and runs strong. The way the string winds into the head is really easy too. Tanaka and Shindawa are also very good

I earned a couple thousand in highschool doing yard work. Skip the electric and go straight to gas is my advice. Owned a few brands and they all seemed to work decent. If you can let them hold a couple display models and find one that feels comfortable to hold, that'll make a big difference.

I also recommend string feed since you can get around corners and the like nice and easy and around rocks without worrying about busting up your blade like you would on a fixed. String is cheap. Go with .8 inch over the .65 though it last longer and cuts faster in my experience.

my echo straight shaft finally gave up the ghost.it was 25 years old. yup, bought another echo.